Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm later today, according to the latest advisory from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
About 320 miles south-southeast of South Point as of 5 a.m. on Wednesday, the advisory puts the system potentially making its closest approach to the Big Island on Saturday, Sept. 26. A hurricane or tropical storm watch will likely be required for a portion of the state later Wednesday.
Further strengthening into a hurricane is likely on Thursday, and it may become a major hurricane by this weekend.
The depression’s maximum sustained winds remain near 35 mph with higher gusts. The system is moving west-northwest at about 6 mph. This motion is expected for the next day or so.
A sharp turn to the north and north-northeast is expected on Thursday, with this motion continuing through the end of the week.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is closely monitoring the depression which could bring weather impacts, such as high winds, to Kaua‘i as early as this weekend.
Members are encouraged to review their personal emergency preparedness plans and make sure they are ready for the possibility of prolonged power outages.
Preparedness tips include:
- Ensure that KIUC has your current contact information (phone, text and email) by calling us at 808.246.4300.
- Make an emergency plan: where to go, what to do and how to meet up if you are separated from your family.
- Know evacuation routes and refuge areas.
- Tie down or put away loose outdoor items to prevent them from becoming flying debris and causing damage.
- Know where your electrical and gas shutoffs are located.
Be prepared for prolonged power interruptions:
- Unplug electrical appliances and sensitive electrical equipment.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. Food may stay frozen in the refrigerator’s freezer compartment for 12 to 48 hours, and up to 72 hours in a fully loaded separate freezer
- Ensure you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food and water available.
- If you are dependent on electricity for medical reasons, consider backup power options provided by KIUC.
Additional preparedness information can be found on the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website, as well as KIUC’s website.
Rainfall
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E will produce rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum amounts of 35 inches. This rainfall may produce catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts of 20 inches expected across Maui.
Across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with maximum amounts of 6 inches, are expected, with isolated flooding possible.
Surf
Swells generated by Tropical Depression Fifteen-E are expected to reach the east and south-facing shores of the Big Island on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend.
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
